For those of you towing with a Tacoma & leads on a UTV.

[T-Dozzer]

1st off, yes.. I know there are better rigs to tow with than a Tacoma.
I'm looking for 1st hand exspierence on towing with a Tacoma.

I'm looking at buying a UTV & trailer. A big one at that. I've somewhat landed on the 4 seat Polaris General & likely an aluminum open trailer.
The General weights 2k lbs dry.

Specs-

https://general.polaris.com/en-us/general-xp-4-1000-deluxe-matte-ghost-white-metallic/specs/

My Tacoma is the v6 4ltr with the factory tow package.  The specs say it is rated for 6500lb towing capacity.
I also have a new 4runner, but it is only rated for 5k.

Questions:
- has anyone pulled around 5k with a Tacoma & had issues?
- should I add a leaf spring or mitigate load in other ways?
-do I need a double axle trailer or can I get away with a single?

Lastly- does anyone have any leads on used Generals and/or trailers?
I can go new, but would prefer to save some $$ if the deal made sense.

TIA

[Stein]

I have no Toyota experience, but I would put airbags on any truck I pull something with any tongue weight.  Not to tow more than it should, but to keep it level which helps dramatically with handling, steering and stopping from my experience.

2k is fine on a single axle, I have a boat/trailer combo about 3k and have no problem at all on a single.  If you bolt another thou of goodies/fuel and whatever else you might start to push it, it seems most single axles are rated around 3-3,500 max.  They might make some HD versions, but that's what I've seen when I did some research on swapping out my 2665 axles for something bigger.

[huntandjeep]

@T-Dozzer .
Can't help with the Tacoma ( I have F350s ) . As to the General if you are going to get a new one order it NOW ( actually after Nov 9th since Polaris put astop on new  orders until then ) . I put a down payment on a 22 Black Crystal General XP4  with Ride Command on July 26th
 . Was told then delivery date of Oct 28ty- Nov 6th . Mid September I called to check status and it was switched to " To Be Determined " . As of yesterday the " New" delivery date is March 8th . And FYI Polaris is going to Raise the price of Generals ( actually all UTVs) soon .
If your looking for a used one just be ready to buy it instantly. They are selling fast . A local one was listed Sunday and sold Monday morning.  They are out there on Craigslist and Marketplace . Here is one in Boise https://lewiston.craigslist.org/snd/d/lewiston-2021-polaris-general-dlx/7395116118.html
 I would go with a 2 axle trailer , it will pull better , and haul more .

[Woodchuck]

I don't know what it weighs but I have a friend that pulls his 18.5ft G3 with 150hp motor fully loaded, no problem.
I was surprised how well the truck handled it.

[ASHQUACK]

Had your exact truck, with a manual not auto. I added air bags to help with the handling. I towed a 18 supervee on a single axle trailer. I wasn't the fastest guy in the road nor was I the slowest. Stopping was fine, it was the uphill boat launches that sucked and after airbags the handling at highway speeds was ok. When I bought a 20' boat I upgraded trucks and trailers (tandem with brakes).

[MtnMuley]

Easily pulls that set up. I've ran about every motor in a yota pulling an aluminum trailer with numerous side by sides including the 4 seaters. That 4.0 will do fine. Granted it's not a big V8 or a diesel, but it will work just fine. I run an aluminum trailer strictly because I use Tacoma's these days. A lift with slightly bigger tires makes a difference, but still does just fine.

[jrebel]

We have a 15 4runner and it toes our honda pioneer 1000 in a utility trailer.  We are not close to 5K lbs but it toes it just fine. 

How are you getting to 5K based on SxS and trailer....that is one heavy trailer.  I would think an aluminum trailer wouldn't weigh more than 1500 lbs, and that would be a dual axle robust / overbuilt trailer. 

You can easily get away with a single axle trailer if it has a 3500 lb axle under it.  With that said, if you go with a dual axle trailer it will have to have trailer breaks....your weak point will be braking so having a dual axle trailer with trailer brakes may be a benefit. 

[NRA4LIFE]

I'm with Johnny on this one.  Just for some comparison, my single axle (3500 lb) utility trailer (4X8, I know too small for you) weighs in at 550 lbs.  My 8500 lb capacity aluminum boat trailer with twin 5000 axles weighs in at 1800 lbs.  I'm guessing you can get by with a trailer somewhere around 1000 lbs at most.  3K total for both would be no problem with the Tacoma.

[T-Dozzer]

I was being pretty conservative I guess incase I went with steel.
Don't think Ide want to go air bags since this wouldn't stay my tow rig for too long.

Maybe I better start shopping trailers 1st.

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[jrebel]

I was being pretty conservative I guess incase I went with steel.
Don't think Ide want to go air bags since this wouldn't stay my tow rig for too long.

Maybe I better start shopping trailers 1st.

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I've got a 16' dual axle heavy duty dump trailer that only weighs 5K.  A duel axle 16" steel trailer is gonna run you less than 2k and likely close to 1,500lbs.  I would think a 14' aluminum would fit the bill and be around 800-1000 lbs.  This is based on my knowledge of how much aluminum snowmobile trailers weigh.  You will be fine towing a SxS....again with braking being your weak point. 

[T-Dozzer]

I was being pretty conservative I guess incase I went with steel.
Don't think Ide want to go air bags since this wouldn't stay my tow rig for too long.

Maybe I better start shopping trailers 1st.

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I've got a 16' dual axle heavy duty dump trailer that only weighs 5K.  A duel axle 16" steel trailer is gonna run you less than 2k and likely close to 1,500lbs.  I would think a 14' aluminum would fit the bill and be around 800-1000 lbs.  This is based on my knowledge of how much aluminum snowmobile trailers weigh.  You will be fine towing a SxS....again with braking being your weak point.

Great, thanks. I must have been way overestimating.

Anyone have places they like for trailers?

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[JBar]

As long as you’re not in a hurry they do fine towing! I have a 5x10 trailer and a RZR trail I tow with my Tacoma. I have an add a leaf and it still squats a bit! Steep hwy hills it’s a slug and likes to kick down into lower gears a little late (after momentum is lost) kind of annoying but it’s not a V8

[Ridgeratt]

3 listed on Spokane Craigslist.

Polaris general's

[jrebel]

https://spokane.craigslist.org/trb/d/spokane-7x16-7k-high-country/7402563131.html

This would be a pretty amazing trailer that would also give you trailer brakes.  I'm assuming your rig is not equipped with trailer brakes so that may be an upgrade you need.  Also assuming you only have a 4 flat plug.   If my assumptions are correct, you may be better off with a single axle and knowing that braking could be a concern on steep downhills. 

This trailer runs around 1,500lbs.   

Here is the 14" single axle. 

https://spokane.craigslist.org/trb/d/spokane-7x14-3k-high-country-trailer/7402561698.html

[jburkett]

I have an 07 taco with the 4.0 and tow  with it regularly. That truck won’t have any issues pulling your set up at all. I use mine to haul my  all steel drive on drive off two quad trailer with a pair of heavy big bore quads on it and have no issues at all. It runs down the interstate at 70 without even breaking a sweat

[T-Dozzer]

I have an 07 taco with the 4.0 and tow  with it regularly. That truck won’t have any issues pulling your set up at all. I use mine to haul my  all steel drive on drive off two quad trailer with a pair of heavy big bore quads on it and have no issues at all. It runs down the interstate at 70 without even breaking a sweat

Are you having rear-end sag?

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[pianoman9701]

I towed 4,000 with my Tacoma in September. No problems at all except for the mileage.

[Ridgeratt]

Are you having rear-end sag?



Since everyones feelings are hurt so easily. I'm not sure you can ask that question?   

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[MR5x5]

Lots of info here;

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/2nd-gen-tacomas-2005-2015.5/

[Mudman]

Polaris guys makes sure to buy the warranty, you will need it.  2nd Tacoma will do fine.  2 axle better than one.  I know a good PoPo Mech for your trans clutch and diff and carrier bearing/driveline issues.   Sorry I cant resist but I have sent all my friends to him.   Good luck finding one and ordering is very delayed or on hold for some.  16' car hauler?

[huntandjeep]

16' car hauler?

That's what I am going to use . We'll actually an 18' . More versatile. 

[Sandberm]

When pulling 4000+lbs the Tacoma transmission doesn't overheat? Don't need to install an aftermarket transmission cooler?

[MR5x5]

When pulling 4000+lbs the Tacoma transmission doesn't overheat? Don't need to install an aftermarket transmission cooler?

Just keep it out of OD except when cruising flat.  Lugging a 2nd gen w/o towing anything will send Trans temps past 200 pretty quickly.

[pianoman9701]

When pulling 4000+lbs the Tacoma transmission doesn't overheat? Don't need to install an aftermarket transmission cooler?

Just keep it out of OD except when cruising flat.  Lugging a 2nd gen w/o towing anything will send Trans temps past 200 pretty quickly.

Good to know, thanks.

[T-Dozzer]

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

Some good info in this thread.
I didn't realize that the factory equipped tow package came with a cooler.

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[jburkett]

I have an 07 taco with the 4.0 and tow  with it regularly. That truck won’t have any issues pulling your set up at all. I use mine to haul my  all steel drive on drive off two quad trailer with a pair of heavy big bore quads on it and have no issues at all. It runs down the interstate at 70 without even breaking a sweat

Are you having rear-end sag?

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I have a 2” suspension lift on my Tacoma and the ride is a bit stiffer than it was stock so I don’t really sag in the rear. Maybe an inch or two is all but the added weight of the trailer helps the ride quality lol

[dewandgin]

I towed a 16" tandem axle enclosed aluminum trailer loaded with a new snowmobile, 2 tire machines and 5 sets of winter tires (2 sets in the back of the truck) from Longview, WA to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and then back home with just the trailer and a boat motor and some misc. stuff and had no issues other than having to stop repeatedly for fuel  . Granted i broke no land speed records or anything but 60 mph for over 2000 miles one way. This was with a 2007 4wd Tacoma with a 4.0 auto.

[MR5x5]

Would very much consider getting something like this - cheep insurance;

https://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/index.htm

Pretty simple, just pulls from the OBD2 bus, but seeing things like the TC temp when towing is pretty valuable.

There is also this one;

https://www.scangauge.com/

[Sandberm]

Sounds like the Tacoma has a more durable transmission then the 4L60E in my 03 Chevy s-10 which supposedly can tow 5500lbs. Pulling my single axle 16ft tracker boat in 90+F temps it spit tranny fluid out the vent all over the front of the boat.

I wasn't impressed with my 08 1500 Silverado 4L60E the first time I towed my 20 ft travel trailer and going up Loup Loup in 50F temps the transmission temp went over 220. It already has an extra transmission cooler so i tied in another one and it lowered the tranny temp easily between 20-30 degrees. Impressive.

[thinkingman]

I towed a SeaDoo twin jet on a single-axle trailer to Lk Roosevelt and back in summer heat (100 degrees).
I had a manual on my 06 Tacoma which is a much better towing setup than an auto, unless you need to back up, in which case the reverse ratio in that box was comically long...Needed 4lo to do any reversing on a grade.
The rear suspension needs work to begin with...any tongue weight over 100lbs will have you on the frame rails and is taking important steering weight off your front tires.

Any lift is raising your center of gravity and putting the trailer in charge of the operation.

I would look for an aluminum tandem trailer and be realistic about what you have.

[Mudman]

Weak link is almost always trans and trans temp.  Hills.   Low speed hill climbs are the worst.  Many burn em up not knowing a 15mph climb up gravel road is toatsing the trans!  Use 4 lo.

[T-Dozzer]

Going with dual axle aluminum means I need to get a brake controller added. More stuff! Lol.

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